2019 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems
- 109owner reports
- 67,000median miles
- $3,825median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 1, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
791 of the 1,628 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 109 of those describe drivetrain problems.
Tick what matches of 109 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the differential (64 reports), the transfer case (42 reports), the CV joint or axle (10 reports) and the driveshaft (9 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2019 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA9.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee
Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed nov 25, 1994.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed oct 29, 1993.
NHTSA summary
Fires caused by cltch lk. Closed jan 28, 1988.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2019 model year.
What owners paid
26 of the 109 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $6,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 95,000 miles, from the 42 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Car loses power and made a loud clunk noise. Warning light said service 4wd. Problem Transfer case needs to be replaced. Happened at 62,000 miles. 2019 Jeep Cherokee ltd with 4x4 and 6 cyl.”
Filed May 23, 2026 · 62,000 miles
“The vehicle is a 2019 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 70,000 miles on it. Check 4WD light came on. Took it to a Jeep dealer who said that it is a problem with the rear differential and would cost $6,000 to repair. Vehicle's VIN is not included in the PTU recall which has affected other 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees.”
Filed Oct 29, 2025 · 70,000 miles
“Rear differential cracked at approximately 53,000 miles. The gear oil began leaking profusely. There were no warning lights so if I had continued to drive it, the rear could have locked up. My local shop (fox run automotive in Bear, Delaware) cannot find new dealer parts. A used differential sourced from a lot will be used at a cost of $3,400 to me.”
Filed Jan 27, 2025 · 53,000 miles
“Rear differential cracked and ring falling off. It was noticed when vehicle was receiving a wheel alignment. My safety was put at risk because if ring fell off while driving my car would not move. Issue was confirmed by Goodyear and Burritt Motor Jeep dealer. Differential was replaced today 4/4/24. Was told by both establishments that this is an issue with the vehicles and have repaired several.”
Filed Apr 4, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 109 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 468 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 141 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 119 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 108 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 107 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 65 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 57 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 44 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 43 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 42 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 42 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 34 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 31 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 28 reports
- Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 26 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 25 reports